Chapter One

April 1857

Cassandra Stover couldn't put the screams and sight of blood from her mind. The sounds and images had haunted her for the last three days, three days of torment and torture as she remembered the ten-year-old boy whose hand had been torn off by the iron teeth of a machine gear.

It had been Cassie's second day of work at the textile factory, but it also proved to be her last. She couldn't bear that such horrific accidents were seen as commonplace, yet most of the workers had continued with their duties. Only a few went to take charge of the child and whisk him away. Injuries were seen as just one more risk of employment.

"Still, I need a job," she told herself as she left the steps of Christ Church, where she'd just spent the last hour praying for guidance. Her mother and little sister, Elida, were depending on her. Now that Elida was nearly ten, she was old enough to help their mother with the family laundry service and Cassie could venture out to find a job that could offer even more money for their living expenses.

"The only problem is," she whispered to herself, "I'm not qualified for much of anything. My sewing is atrocious and my cooking, only fair."

She sighed and looked across the grassy park. The day was proving to be quite pleasant. Flowers bloomed, offering delicate touches of color against the new grass. The budding trees revealed new life, and the world seemed fresh and renewed.

Cassie strolled for some time before deciding to take a seat on one of the park benches. "Father, I don't u